South Ayrshire ramblers. River Ayr walk circular. March 2011

Oswald Hall

Daffodils are in full bloom.

Oswald's Bridge

View down the River Ayr

One of the few hills on todays walk.

Serious discussion during the coffee break.

The other hill.

Tarholm Bridge.

Council covering themselves against any claims.

Fishermans bothy.  NB. Constructed using Hillhouse Blocks!!

Memorial to Rt. Hon.James Brown.

Todays happy ramblers.

Yesterday saw me meet up with South Ayrshire ramblers for a 6 mile circular walk to Annbank via the River Ayr paths and tracks. We started from the very grand Oswald Hall formally known as Auchincruive House before the West of Scotland Agricultural College aquired the estate in 1927.We set off down the driveway taking care not to damage literally thousands of daffodils in full bloom. Over Oswald's Bridge and onto the path by the river's edge we passed the disused railway line to Annbank that presumably carried the coal and bricks from the village. Over the river again this time using the Tarholm Bridge we made our way up to Annbank. At this point we normally go through a field that allows you to by-pass the village but the farmer has blocked off the access with the usual barbed wire on top of the gates. The walk leader informed us he has reported this matter to the councils access convenor. However as usual the leader had done an excellent recce and found us an alternative route through the village passed the memorial stone to the Rt. Hon. James Brown who was one of Annbank's more famous sons. Now back down at the river we found a nice spot for lunch in the company of plenty of mallard ducks hoping to catch a crust from the ramblers pieces. A short walk after this and we were back at the start. A nice gentle walk after all the exertions of Saturday.